Sadly, not everyone is able to follow this mantra and each year thousands of pets across the region are given up to homes and shelters.

Sometimes the pets are too boistrous for their new owners, sometimes too sick, or the owners sadly just change their minds but it is left to charities like the Newcastle Dog and Cat shelter to pick up the pieces afterwards.

This year the Newcastle Dog and Cat shelter recorded a 53% increase in the number of dogs given in because their owners were no longer able to look after them.

Leyla Rutter, chief executive of the Newcastle Dog and Cat shelter, said: “We will have many animals in our care over Christmas. We have several dogs, loads of cats and tons of kittens plus rabbits that are all waiting to be adopted.

“They’ll stay with us but we’d rather they were in their own home for Christmas getting love and attention rather than in a kennel.”

After being taken in the dogs are fed and watered, played with and made comfortable. Often, frightened it is the caring love and attention afforded to them by the charity workers that brings them out of their shell again.

Sadly, it’s not only dogs that are given in. Many cats and kittens are handed in because owners are unable to care for them properly. This year there was an 18% increase in the amount of cats and kittens given up for rescue.

Today they are still in the shelter waiting for someone to come and pick them up and give them a new life with a new family.

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It’s the same story for rabbits. Often seen as pets for children rabbits can bring joy to any familiy with their playfulness and intelligence. But too often, when children stop playing with them, or when parents underestimate their needs and lifespan, they are given up for adoption.

This year there was a 143% increase in the number of rabbits entering the Newcastle Dog and Cat shelter. For the right, caring family prepared to put in the effort they’d make the most wonderful Christmas present.